Digital Government
DHS looks to lure startups into the government game
The Science and Technology Directorate at the Department of Homeland Security hopes a new and flexible procurement vehicle can help to attract tech startups.
Digital Government
FAA releases drone registration rules
Private owners of small unmanned aircraft must register their names, physical and email addresses via an online database under new rules issued by the FAA.
Modernization
GSA pushes EIS proposal date
The General Services Administration extended the deadline for vendor proposal submissions to its massive next-generation telecom contract by a week.
Cybersecurity
NIST wants to know how cybersecurity framework is used
NIST is seeking input from users on ways to improve its voluntary framework of cybersecurity measures
People
White House nominates new deputy director at OMB
President Barack Obama will nominate a permanent deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget.
Digital Government
Launch delay won't open weather data gap, NOAA says
NOAA bumped the launch of a key weather data collection satellite to October 2016, but the agency doesn't anticipate a gap in weather forecast data because of the change.
Modernization
FirstNet, DHS P25 comms efforts move ahead
Two efforts, ultimately aimed at providing interoperable radio communications for first responders across the nation, advanced on Dec. 9.
People
18F, Digital Service are here to stay, CIO says
The new in-house IT consultancies at GSA and OMB will likely outlast the Obama administration, according to federal CIO Tony Scott.
Modernization
DHS expands CenturyLink's work on Einstein
DHS awarded an expansion contract to help extend Einstein 3 Accelerated protections to civilian agencies by year's end under the new cybersecurity strategy.
People
Agile comes with pressure and pain
Top federal IT managers say that if agile development doesn't make you uncomfortable, you're probably doing it wrong.
Acquisition
How to open up federal IT acquisition
Two industry groups propose guidelines to allow the federal government to better tap into the fast-moving world of commercial IT development.
Acquisition
CMS needs to close out contracts, watchdog says
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services aren't closing out contracts properly under federal regulations, possibly leaving money on the table with contractors according to the agency's Inspector General.
Cybersecurity
DHS seeks plug and play surveillance video access
Two Homeland Security divisions are teaming up on a plan to build new interoperability into private sector surveillance systems for easy access by first responders and law enforcement.
Digital Government
DHS chief plans changes to terror alert system
Secretary Jeh Johnson is planning modifications to the terrorism alert system to make it more responsive to murkier threats and is considering changes to the K-1 visa program.
Modernization
FEMA updates IT acquisition plans
The Federal Emergency Management Agency provided a look at its IT modernization strategy for the coming year.
Modernization
Transportation bill includes recall tech upgrades
The long-term transportation bill pending in Congress would establish an online database of information on vehicle recalls and facilitate information sharing among critical infrastructure providers in emergencies.
Cybersecurity
DHS looking to biometrics, more shared info on VWP
DHS is proposing changes to the Visa Waiver Program that would expand the use of biometrics, the sharing of information with Interpol and modifications to existing background check databases.
People
DOD urged to go commercial
The Defense Department is being outpaced in technology development by the commercial side. Advisers say, "If you can't beat them, join them."
Cybersecurity
'Agile' means different things across DHS
As the Department of Homeland Security moves to more nimble technology acquisition efforts, its various components sometimes have different ideas of what that can mean.
People